Translations Expand the Education Program

May marks a milestone in the life of Pathways, the innovative and expansive learning experience launched by Toastmasters a little more than a year ago. The program has been rolled out in phases, being unveiled in regions around the world. This month is the final stage in that rollout, with Pathways arriving in the last two regions: 8 and 9. (The learning experience will also be released in all undistricted and online clubs this month.)

One of Pathways’ greatest attractions is the availability of translated educational materials. All materials in the new program have been translated into Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Traditional Chinese. Members across the globe have been thrilled to read content in their native languages.

Members around the world volunteered their time and effort to serve on translation-review teams, to ensure that all Pathways translations were accurate and authentic to the local culture. The teams reviewed the professional translations, helped develop Pathways glossaries and made sure the materials are true to the Toastmasters experience.

Team members say they have been gratified by the extensive undertaking.

“I enjoyed working on a huge project that will shape the future of this worldwide organization and a place we think of as home,” says Jack Luo, a member of the Simplified Chinese translation-review team.

If you have questions about the new education program, or want to learn more about its background, visit the Pathways webpage. It has a wealth of information and resources, including videos, a look
at Base Camp (the program’s learning management system) and an extensive
FAQ section.

There are also sections about education awards in Pathways and the crucial role that member volunteers have played in the development and launch of the learning experience.

“How Pathways Began” is a series of short videos about the program: why it was created, how it was developed and why it is valuable to you. In addition, the Testimonials page features a video of District 33 members talking about their Pathways experience).

MORE TRANSLATION NEWS

A Toastmaster Wears Many Hats, a valuable manual on meeting roles, has been given a multi-language update. In addition to English, it is now available in Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Traditional Chinese.

The organization’s volunteer translation-review teams around the world provided support on this extensive project. A Toastmaster Wears Many Hats features essential information on the various roles members fill during club meetings. It outlines in detail what to do when you are a speaker, evaluator, grammarian, Ah-Counter, timer and Toastmaster of the meeting. It also delves into Table Topics, offering guidance for the Topicsmaster as well as Table Topics speakers.

You can download A Toastmaster Wears Many Hats from the Resource Library on the Toastmasters website.